Ohio reports 30 human-trafficking cases

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Attorney General’s Office says local law enforcement agencies reported 30 human-trafficking cases in the state in the past year.

The numbers were released Thursday as part of a new Ohio law requiring local agencies to collect data on human trafficking cases and report it to Attorney General Mike DeWine’s office.

According to the report, authorities identified 38 sex-trafficking victims, most of them between the ages of 18 and 29. Of those, 21 were identified as having alcohol or drug dependency issues, and 12 were listed as being oppressed, marginalized or impoverished.

The 30 cases included investigation of 21 suspected traffickers, resulting in 15 arrests.

Also Thursday, the Ohio House approved a measure that increases penalties for human trafficking offenders and adds protections for victims.